Jharrel Jerome and Anthony Robles at the Arizona State University screening of “Unstoppable.” (Courtesy Prime Video)

“Unstoppable” (Prime Video) is an empowering family film that will pull at your heartstrings. It’s inspired by the true story of Anthony Robles, who was born with one leg and became the NCAA wrestling champion in 2011.

Based on the best-selling book, “Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion,” the film is directed by William Goldenberg. Emmy Award-winning actor Jharrel Jerome plays Robles, and Jennifer Lopez plays his mother, Judy.

In the movie, Robles strives to balance his passion for wrestling with the pressures of taking care of his mother and four younger siblings who are living in a volatile household with his abusive stepfather, Rick (actor Bobby Cannavale). Robles’ high school wrestling coach Bobby Williams (actor Michael Peña), and his college wrestling coach at Arizona State University Shawn Charles (actor Don Cheadle) become integral in Robles’ life helping him to build and maintain his confidence as an athlete.

Invaluable advice Robles received from his coaches which he now imparts when motivational speaking is, “Focus on your strengths and camouflage your weaknesses.” In an interview with the Sentinel, Robles expounded upon what this advice means to him and how it can be applied to any facet of life, not just wrestling.

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Jharrel Jerome as Anthony Robles in “Unstoppable.” (Courtesy Prime Video)

“When coach would tell me that we would figure out what my abilities were, what my strengths were in my life and on the wrestling mat, and we would choose to develop a plan around that. Because the things that you can’t control or the weaknesses, those things, are always going to be there, but you can’t focus your energy on that, because there’s nothing you can do about it,” Robles said.

“So, my coach would say, ‘…This is what we’re going to focus on. We’re going to build and make you evolve in this way.’ And that’s how I approach my life as well. I learned that from wrestling and from my mom, to build on what I have and not allow the doubt, the negativity, or the challenge to hold me back.”

What differentiates “Unstoppable” from other biopics is that not only was Robles hands-on with the development and pre-production of the film, but he was also literally in the production as Jharrel Jerome’s body double. As such, he relived some of the most physically demanding and emotionally charged experiences of his life.

Giving insight into what it was like having Robles on set for those pivotal scenes, Jerome recalls, “I thought the emotional moments were equally as important as the physicality of it. When you meet Anthony, you can see it in his eyes and his smile, he has the power to light up the room and to affect you. So, I wanted to make sure that came through. Typically, in sports films, the lead is always this really tough guy, and even when he’s going through hardships, it’s just sweat, no tears.

Anthony Robles as Jharrel Jerome’s body double on set of “Unstoppable.” (Courtesy Prime Video)

“And I wanted to change that narrative a bit and show that wrestlers have another side to them. They’re not just mean, they’re not just brutal, they’re not just dominant on the mat, they also have heart and care for the people around them. And Anthony’s a family man before he’s a wrestler, so I wanted to make that shine through.”

When asked how the pair stayed motivated throughout the five years it took to bring the film to fruition Robles revealed, “There were moments where I was discouraged and I didn’t think it would happen, so it was pretty neat to have Jharrel reach out to me and remind me, ‘I’m behind this. I want the world to see this. This is going to happen.’

“Jharrel gave me that extra courage and extra motivation. And he’s also said, ‘This whole process was ‘unstoppable.’ [Despite] the different challenges that we faced along the way, it was worth it. Those challenges have made this experience much more special because of all of the hands who came in to get this film to the finish line.”

From left are Jennifer Lopez, Anthony Robles, Jharrel Jerome and Judy Robles on set of “Unstoppable.” (Courtesy Prime Video)

Now that he’s experienced stepping into the realm of entertainment as an actor, does Anthony Robles envision himself producing more films? He told the Sentinel, “This is a whole new world for me, and it’s been an amazing experience working with this group of individuals. It inspired me. So, I would love to be able to help share the next unstoppable story that’s out there.

“That’s what it’s all about, giving back. Because I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support that I’ve received along the way. So, I want to use this opportunity to reach out to others to support them and help them as they’re wrestling through challenges.

“Whether that’s with film or in life as a coach, I’m all about giving back and helping the next unstoppable story.”

Watch “Unstoppable” on Prime Video.